No one who serves the Lord can escape persecution! If you are really serving the Lord, you will find yourself facing anger and resentment on every hand. If you have never experienced this persecution from serving the Lord, ask yourself, “Am I really serving Him?” I think of Pastor Daniel Mulunda who has been incarcerated in The Congo for doing the Lord’s work and will. He suffered because of his proclamation of God’s Word. We might not face that same persecution, but rest assured that persecution will come to each one who truly seeks to serve the Lord. At times, it will come from the body of believers and at other times from those on the outside of the body of Christ who aim at you. Today’s scripture lesson speaks of expecting persecution, in John 15:20.

“Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted Me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to Me, they would listen to you.”

Jesus, the Master Teacher, speaks about the hatred in the world. He tells the believers that they are no longer part of the world. He has chosen to come out of the world. He ways that they are not above their Master, since He has been persecuted He knows that they also will be persecuted. Jesus pours out His heart and wants them to know the awesome price that must be paid if they follow Him. They hated Him without cause and will also hate His disciples without cause. They must testify about Him and the Holy Spirit will empower them to do that. Chapter 15 is a necessary understanding if we are going to follow the Master. We must know the cost involved. But, the blessings far outweigh the cost. In the end, we will receive our heavenly reward.